Expert: Peter L. - 11/18/2010

Question
I have a 22 year old son, that I know is on some sort of drug. I can not figure out what it is or what to do. He is perfectly normal in the morning time but after he gets out of work he must be taking something, he sounds stoned his eyes are glassy and roll in his head,he is always itching, voice gets horse and he acts completely different.I have confronted him that I think he is on drugs and he swears he isnt, but I know better.  I am so confused and dont know what to do or how to go about helping him. The other night he was crying saying he wanted to die cause everyones accusing him of being on drugs. What sort of drug could he be taking? Please help me

Answer
Hi Christine,

Hard to say exactly what he might be using, but indeed he is using something.  My best educated guess would be an opioid drug, most common of which are the pain medications, but it could be heroin.

These drugs have exploded in recent years.  They present very powerful addictions, and very difficult to overcome.  

I infer from your message he lives with you.  If so, you have a right to know what's going on.  I have to inform you that opioid addicts often resort to any means of obtaining their drugs, including stealing, manipulating, and just plain lying.  I fear that if he doesn't get treatment (particularly if he is using opioids) this may start to happen in your household.  

You could mandate that he he get an evaluation by a substance abuse counselor, and maybe a urine test for illicit drugs also.  Or, you could try those over-the-counter from the drug store, but I don't know what substances they test for in particular nor can I vouch for their accuracy.

If he's motivated in proving that he's not using any substance, he should be eager to get the urine screen.  If the test is negative, but he continues to show signs of being on something, have him repeat the test another time.

Hope this is helpful to you,
Peter